Your End-of-Year Health Checklist to Maximize Insurance Benefits

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Amid the holiday festivities and the year coming to an end, it’s easy to put your health in the backseat. But taking a moment for your well-being ensures you stay healthy, enjoy time with loved ones and make the most of your health insurance benefits before the year ends.

Most health insurance plans reset on January 1, meaning any unused benefits or funds may be lost. This is a great time to schedule an annual wellness exam or any other needed procedures.

Keep reading to learn more about how to maximize your insurance benefits by using our checklist and how we can partner with you to get the most out of your health care.

End-of-Year Health Checklist

We’ve put together an end-of-year health checklist to help you get the most out of your health benefits and know which primary care services or other procedures to schedule before December 31.

  1. Schedule Your Annual Wellness Visit
    • A preventive wellness primary care appointment is often fully covered by your health insurance provider.

    • This is a great opportunity to establish care, discuss your healthy habits goals for the new year and get referrals for specialists for potential health problems.

  2. Catch Up on Screenings and Routine Tests
    • Visit your primary care provider (PCP) to test for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and glucose A1C.
    • Schedule routine health screening tests like mammograms, colonoscopies, other cancer screenings, eye exams, hearing tests, bone density scans and Pap smears.

    • Check if you’re up to date on current vaccinations, including your annual flu shot.

  3. Complete Delayed Follow-Up Appointments or Lab Work

    • If your PCP recommended labs earlier in the year but you waited to meet your deductible, now is a good time to schedule them, as your insurance may cover a greater portion of the cost.

  4. Refill or Reassess Prescriptions
    • Check with your PCP or current health care provider if you’re due for medication reviews or refills before the end of the year.

    • Ask your doctor, pharmacist or health insurance provider about 90-day supply options or prescription formula changes for the upcoming year.

  5. Address Any Lingering Symptoms or Concerns

    • If you’re experiencing mild, lingering symptoms, don’t leave them untreated. With your deductible met, it’s a cost-effective time to care for your health.

  6. Consider Referrals or Specialist Visits While They’re at a Lower Cost

    • Now may be the most affordable time of year to schedule appointments with specialists, like a cardiologist for heart disease or an endocrinologist for Type 2 diabetes.

  7. Use Your Mental Health or Wellness Benefits
    • Many health insurance plans offer coverage for therapy sessions, wellness coaching or behavioral health support. Ask your provider for a referral.

FSAs and HSAs

It’s important to remember that your flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) may reset at the end of the year, causing you to lose unused funds.

Both FSAs and HSAs allow you to contribute pre-tax dollars from your paycheck to help pay for medical costs throughout the year, like out-of-pocket co-pays and prescriptions, as well as vision and dental care. However, they differ in how long you have to use the funds:

  • FSAs usually require you to use all funds by the end of the year, and they won’t carry over into the next year.
  • HSAs normally allow your money to roll over into the next year.

Be sure to contact your insurance company to understand your plan and the rules governing your funds.

How Primary Care+ Makes It Easy

At AdventHealth Primary Care+, we make it easy for you to use your health insurance benefits by offering:

  • A collaborative care team that can help you maximize your benefits and feel confident going into the new year
  • Extended hours and easy online scheduling
  • Onsite labs and care coordination for fast follow-ups
  • Same- and next-day primary care appointments

Meeting your deductible can make medical care more affordable, and we’re here to make it easy for you to access the benefits you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Your End-of-Year Health Checklist

What’s the best time to use my insurance benefits?

That depends on how quickly you meet your deductible and the type of health care you need throughout the year. However, the best time to use your health insurance is when you need to address health issues with a health care provider.

How can I plan for next year’s health care expenses?

Review your remaining deductible, out-of-pocket maximum and FSA or HSA balances to decide whether to schedule care now or save funds for next year.

Does Medicare cover end-of-year preventive care?

Yes, Medicare often covers annual wellness visits, preventive screenings and certain vaccines. Check your plan to see which services are included before scheduling care.

Do FSA funds expire?

Most FSA funds expire by the end of the calendar year. Check your health insurance plan to avoid losing funds.

What preventive screenings or procedures should I schedule before my deductible resets?

It’s a good idea to schedule annual wellness visits, men’s health screenings, women’s health screenings, well-woman exams, routine check-ups, lab work, medication refills and any specialist referrals before your deductible resets. Learn about the different types of health screenings you may want before the year ends. Discuss any new risk factors or changes in lifestyle habits, including your physical activity and diet, with your health care provider to build a personalized plan for next year.

Can I schedule elective procedures before the end of the year?

Yes. If you’ve met your deductible or are close to your out-of-pocket maximum, scheduling elective procedures can help you maximize benefits and reduce your costs.

Your Dedicated Health Care Partner

Whether you’re catching up on routine care or checking up on a lingering concern, we’re here to help. Schedule your end-of-year wellness visit today at an AdventHealth Primary Care+ location near you.

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